Contents
Description
Fontanesia Phillyreoides, commonly known as Fontanesia, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Oleaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and Asia, but it also grows in North America, where it was introduced as an ornamental plant. It can reach a height of 10-15 feet and a width of 8-10 feet. The plant has a round shape and produces greenish-yellow flowers in early summer that turn into small fruits in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Genus | Fontanesia |
Appearance
The Fontanesia Phillyreoides has a dense and spreading growth habit, with a round shape. The leaves are glossy, dark green, and oval-shaped, with a length of 1-3 inches. The plant produces clusters of small, greenish-yellow flowers that are fragrant and bloom in early summer. The flowers give way to small fruits that are purple-black and about 0.5 inches in diameter. The bark of the Fontanesia is gray-brown and smooth.
Care Guide
To take care of the Fontanesia Phillyreoides, it is essential to understand its water, fertilization, soil, sunlight, and hardiness zones requirements.Water – The plant prefers regular watering, but it can tolerate drought conditions.Fertilization – It is recommended to fertilize the plant in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.Soil – The Fontanesia prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight – The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones – The Fontanesia is suitable for hardiness zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Fontanesia Phillyreoides is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can suffer from aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by powdery mildew and leaf spot, which can be treated with a fungicide.
Habitat
The Fontanesia Phillyreoides is native to the Mediterranean region and Asia, where it grows in rocky slopes and dry areas. It was introduced to North America as an ornamental plant and is now commonly found in gardens and parks.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Fontanesia Phillyreoides a drought-tolerant plant?
A: Yes, the Fontanesia can tolerate drought conditions, but it prefers regular watering.
Q: What is the best time to fertilize the Fontanesia?
A: It is recommended to fertilize the plant in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
Q: What are the common pests that affect the Fontanesia?
A: The plant can suffer from aphids, spider mites, and scale insects.
Q: What is the hardiness zone suitable for the Fontanesia?
A: The Fontanesia is suitable for hardiness zones 5 to 9.
Related Plants
- Fontanesia Fortunei
- Fontanesia Marginalis
- Fontanesia Flaviramea
References
- “Fontanesia Phillyreoides.” Missouri Botanical Garden.
- “Fontanesia Phillyreoides.” Plant Finder. Ball Horticultural Company.
- Dirr, Michael A. Dirr’s Hardy Trees and Shrubs: An Illustrated Encyclopedia. Timber Press, 2019.
